House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared on Friday that she is naming DC National Guard Major Gen. William J. Walker to be the House sergeant-at-arms, noticing in the declaration that he will be the first Black American to serve in the role.
Before Walker can start filling in as House sergeant-at-arms, the House should hold a lion’s share vote to affirm his appointment by the speaker.
“It is my honor to appoint District of Columbia National Guard Major General William J. Walker to serve as the 38th Sergeant-at-Arms for the House of Representatives,” Pelosi said in a statement.
“Throughout his long, dedicated career in public service, General William Walker has proven to be a leader of great integrity and experience who will bring his steady and patriotic leadership to this vital role,” Pelosi said, adding, “His historic appointment as the first Black American to serve as Sergeant-at-Arms is an important step forward for this institution and our nation.”
The appointment comes in the wake of the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, with Pelosi taking note of in her explanation that “His experience will be an important asset to the House, particularly in light of the January 6 insurrection. It is essential that we work to strengthen our institution and keep our Capitol community, and all who visit, safe.”
After agitators raged the US Capitol, Pelosi demanded the resignation of Paul Irving, who held the post beforehand. Meanwhile, Paul Blodgett has been serving as acting sergeant-at-arms.
As indicated by a DC National Guard life story of Walker, he has managed various key needs, including assuming liability “for the strategic leadership, training, readiness, operational employment and performance of the Army and Air Force components of the District of Columbia National Guard.”
A modest bunch of states and the District of Columbia activated huge number of National Guard individuals to give security to the city of Washington following the lethal uproar at the US Capitol.
